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Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.

Causes

Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in persons with body-wide (systemic) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....

Achilles tendinitis

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint

Pain at night

Pain that is worse with movement or activity

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look for signs of pain and tenderness when the muscle attached to the tendon is used against resistance. There are specific tests for specific tendons.

The tendon can be inflamed, and the overlying skin may be warm and red.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is helpful for recovery. This may be achieved using a splint or a removable brace. The application of heat or cold to the affected area can help.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful in controlling pain and allowing physical therapy to start.

Physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the muscle and tendon is essential. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury.

Rarely, surgery is needed to physically remove the inflammatory tissue from around the tendon.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be indicated to prevent recurrence of the problem.

Possible Complications

Long-term inflammation raises the risk of further injury, such as rupture

Tendinitis symptoms return

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur.

Prevention

Avoid repetitive motion and overuse of the arms and legs.

Keep all your muscles strong and flexible.

Warm up by exercising at a relaxed pace before engaging in vigorous activity.

Tendon vs. ligament - illustration

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches muscle to bone. Tendons may also attach muscles to structures such as the eyeball. A tendon serves to move the bone or structure. A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches bone to bone, and usually serves to hold structures together and keep them stable.

Tendon vs. ligament

illustration

Tendonitis - illustration

Tendonitis is the inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon. It can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Any action that places prolonged repetitive strain on the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis. The most common symptom of tendonitis is pain, tenderness, and the increase of pain with movement.

Tendonitis

illustration

Tendon vs. ligament - illustration

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches muscle to bone. Tendons may also attach muscles to structures such as the eyeball. A tendon serves to move the bone or structure. A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches bone to bone, and usually serves to hold structures together and keep them stable.

Tendon vs. ligament

illustration

Tendonitis - illustration

Tendonitis is the inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon. It can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Any action that places prolonged repetitive strain on the forearm muscles can cause tendonitis. The most common symptom of tendonitis is pain, tenderness, and the increase of pain with movement.